Understanding error pages (403, 404, 500)

Common HTTP Error Codes

Understanding error codes helps diagnose website problems.

403 Forbidden

Meaning: Access denied

Common causes:

• Incorrect file permissions
• No index file in directory
• IP blocked
• .htaccess rules blocking access

Fix: Set folders to 755, files to 644

404 Not Found

Meaning: Page doesn't exist

Common causes:

• File deleted or moved
• Incorrect URL
• Broken permalink settings (WordPress)

Fix: Check the URL, restore file, or fix permalinks

500 Internal Server Error

Meaning: Server-side problem

Common causes:

• PHP error in code
• Corrupted .htaccess
• Memory limit exceeded
• Plugin conflict

Fix: Check error logs, rename .htaccess, increase memory

503 Service Unavailable

Meaning: Server temporarily overloaded

Fix: Wait and retry, or contact support

Viewing Error Logs

1. Go to cPanel → Errors
2. Or check error_log in your site folder